The Kokborok language debate has intensified in Tripura as Tipra Motha MLAs demand a resolution regarding the script controversy. The leaders insist on the introduction of the Roman script for Kokborok, aligning with the demands of student organizations that have staged multiple protests. The state government, led by Chief Minister Manik Saha, has acknowledged the concerns but remains focused on ensuring that students’ futures are not affected during the ongoing discussions.
The issue of Kokborok’s script has remained a sensitive topic for years. While one section favors the Bengali script, another strongly advocates for the Roman script, arguing that it better reflects the phonetics of the indigenous language. The recent protests gained momentum after students expressed their frustration over the difficulties faced in exams and learning materials due to script-related confusion. Tipra Motha, a key political force in Tripura, has amplified these concerns, urging the government to take decisive action.
Chief Minister Manik Saha assured that the government is actively engaging with all stakeholders to find a balanced solution. He emphasized that while linguistic and cultural identity is important, students’ education must remain the top priority. He reiterated that no decision would be made in haste and that the government would consider expert recommendations before making any changes to the current system.
Tipra Motha MLAs, however, remain firm in their stance. They argue that a shift to the Roman script would modernize the language and make it more accessible to younger generations. They cite examples of other indigenous languages that have adopted the Roman script successfully, improving literacy rates and digital accessibility. Their push for change has also found support among academic circles, with some linguists advocating for the transition as a way to preserve the language’s original sounds and pronunciation.
Amid the ongoing debate, students have taken to the streets, voicing their frustration over the lack of a clear policy. Many have complained that inconsistencies in learning materials make it difficult to prepare for exams. Some student organizations have accused the government of delaying a decision, leaving them in an uncertain academic environment. Teachers, too, have called for clarity, stating that the lack of uniformity in teaching materials hampers effective instruction in Kokborok.
The Tripura government has assured students and their families that their academic progress will not be compromised. The education department has been directed to assess the implications of script changes carefully. Officials have been tasked with gathering inputs from language experts, educators, and student groups before finalizing any recommendations.
While Tipra Motha continues to push for immediate reforms, the government is urging patience, emphasizing that a well-researched approach is necessary for a sustainable solution. Political analysts suggest that the script issue has broader implications, not just for education but also for cultural and political dynamics in the state. The demand for the Roman script is seen as part of a larger assertion of indigenous identity, which has been at the core of many recent movements in Tripura.
Chief Minister Manik Saha has reiterated that the government remains committed to preserving Tripura’s rich linguistic heritage while ensuring that students do not suffer due to political disagreements. He has urged political parties to work together toward a solution that benefits all stakeholders.
As discussions continue, students, educators, and politicians await a concrete resolution. The outcome of this debate will likely shape the future of Kokborok’s written form, impacting not just education but also cultural representation in the state. The government’s approach will need to balance tradition, modernity, and academic practicality to ensure that the resolution satisfies both the linguistic community and the needs of the students.
